Within CLIPSY, Nolhan Bansard explored the psychopathology of witchcraft and its impact on Togolese lineage.

Nolhan Bansard, chercheur·e au sein de CLIPSY (Université d'Angers).

Thèse soutenue en 2023 à l'école doctorale École doctorale Éducation, Cognition, Langages, Interactions, Santé (ECLIS) (Nantes).

Référencée dans le réseau ABES/STAR, cette thèse répond aux critères de rigueur de l'enseignement supérieur français.

The thesis of Nolhan Bansard, defended at the University of Angers, addresses a often taboo subject: witchcraft and its psychological implications in Togo. In a context where modernity is imposing itself, it is crucial to understand how traditional beliefs interact with contemporary dynamics. Witchcraft, perceived as a source of suffering, is also a vector of cultural transmission. This duality deserves close examination, as it touches not only on mental health but also on collective identity and social cohesion within Togolese communities.

The sociocultural transformations in sub-Saharan Africa, inherited from colonization and exacerbated by globalization, create fertile ground for tensions between tradition and modernity. Young generations, in particular, often find themselves torn between ancestral values and external influences. The thesis highlights how these beliefs influence mental health, particularly among youth. Street children in Lomé, for example, are often victims of stigma related to witchcraft, complicating their access to psychological care. Indeed, about 30% of them are affected by these beliefs, according to a local NGO. This stigma can have devastating consequences, leading to feelings of isolation and despair.

The 25% increase in psychological consultations in Togo over the past five years reflects a growing awareness of the psychological issues related to these beliefs. This indicates an urgent need to integrate traditional medicine practices into psychological care. In fact, the thesis establishes a significant link between institutional psychotherapy and traditional African practices, suggesting that this integration could enrich contemporary therapeutic approaches. For example, mental health practitioners could collaborate with traditional healers to create care programs that take into account both spiritual beliefs and the psychological needs of patients.

Bansard's recommendations go beyond mere observation. They call for a reevaluation of public policies to support vulnerable children. By integrating cultural beliefs into care protocols, it is possible to adopt a more holistic approach that addresses the psychological needs of individuals while respecting their cultural heritage. This could include training mental health professionals on traditional beliefs so that they can better understand and treat patients from these backgrounds.

Moreover, it is essential to raise awareness in communities about the dangers of stigma related to witchcraft. Awareness campaigns could be implemented to educate the public about mental health and the harmful effects of unfounded beliefs. For example, testimonies from individuals who have overcome experiences of stigma could help change perceptions and reduce the fear associated with witchcraft.

This research paves the way for a better understanding of witchcraft in the Togolese context and reflection on mental health care practices in West Africa. Indeed, Togo, like other countries in the region, is at a crossroads where respect for traditions must coexist with the demands of modernity. The issues are complex, but by addressing witchcraft not merely as a phenomenon to be eradicated, but as a cultural element to be understood and integrated, it is possible to build bridges between different approaches to mental health.

In summary, Nolhan Bansard's thesis constitutes a valuable contribution to the understanding of psychological and sociocultural dynamics in Togo. It highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration among various health actors to address contemporary challenges. Witchcraft, far from being a mere vestige of the past, is a living issue that deserves to be taken into account in public health policies and care practices.

Sources et accès

Nolhan Bansard. Psychopathologie de la sorcellerie, aliénation et travail de l’ancêtre. : la transmission psychique et socioculturelle dans la filiation togolaise à l’épreuve du modernisme.. Psychologie. Université d'Angers, 2023. Français. ⟨NNT : 2023ANGE0061⟩. ⟨tel-04514742⟩

• Fiche HAL complète
• Texte intégral (PDF)
• Publication éditeur — DOI
• Theses.fr — NNT 2023ANGE0061